If you’re wondering how to serve peas to your baby you’ve come to the right place. Peas are a fantastic source of vitamins for your baby and should be on the list of the first 100 foods you offer to them. Find out here how to serve peas to your baby, the answers to other commonly asked questions and a list of our favourite recipes that use peas including pea fritters and pea pesto!
How to Serve Peas to Baby
Peas are a nutritious vegetable that can be introduced to babies from 6 months old. Here’s how you can serve peas to your baby:
Preparation: If using fresh peas, shell them and wash thoroughly. If using frozen peas, thaw them according to package instructions.
Cooking: Steam or boil the peas until they become soft and tender.
Mashing: Once cooked, mash the peas with a fork or blend them to achieve a suitable texture for your baby’s age. You can also squish them between your fingers.
Serving: Allow the peas to cool down to an appropriate temperature before offering them to your baby. You can serve them as a standalone puree or mix them with other cooked vegetables or grains.
What are the Health Benefits of Offering Peas to Your Baby?
Peas are such a fun food to offer your baby. Many mums worry that baby will choke on them, but they can easily be squished to prevent them being a choking hazard – just as you would with blueberries!
Peas are a great way for baby to practise their pincer skills. Tip some squished peas on their highchair and watch them try and pick them up to feed themselves with their thumb and finger. Hours of fun!
Peas are a great source of:
- Magnesium – helps keep the heart beating and helps prevent tooth decay
- Phosphorus – grows and maintains healthy tissue
- Iron – supports proper neurological development
- Vitamin C – maintains a healthy immune system
- Fibre – supports digestive health
- Protein – essential for growth
Our favourite baby led weaning products
Should I serve peas as whole or mashed for my baby?
Peas can be served as whole pieces or mashed, depending on your baby’s age and chewing abilities. Mashing them slightly can help with easier consumption.
Can I mix peas with other vegetables or grains?
Absolutely! You can mix cooked and mashed peas with other cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, or grains like rice or couscous for added texture and flavour.
Can I serve frozen peas to my baby?
Yes, frozen peas can be cooked until they are soft and easily mashed. Ensure they are fully heated and cooled before serving to your baby.
Our Favourite Recipes for Babies Using Peas
Author: Nicola Hughes
Nicola has weaned both of her boys using the baby led weaning method. She loves nothing better than creating simple recipes that anyone can recreate, using as few ingredients as possible. All of her recipes have been tried and tested by both Dexter and Felix and have their seal of approval!